Virginia Eastern Shore Water Trails

Two loop water trails are under development on Virginia's Eastern Shore: the Onancock Creek Loop Trail and the Saxis Water Trail Loop. These trails will soon provide tremendous paddling opportunities for experiencing this special part of the Chesapeake Bay.

Onancock Creek Loop Trail: Paddlers can launch a canoe or kayak from the town of Onancock's public dock and enjoy a 14 mile roundtrip to the mouth of the Bay and Parker's Marsh. A kayak friendly dock will be built in 2005 at the White/Ingleside park across the street. A water trail guide/map will be available to the public in September of 2005.

Saxis Water Trail Loop: Saxis Wildlife Management Area (WMA) contains more than 5,800 acres of marshland and creeks bounded by the Pocomoke Sound and salt and freshwater creeks. Thousands of migrating shorebirds, waterfowl, marsh birds and land birds use the area as a stopover. The WMA is managed by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for hunting, fishing and other activities. A water trail guide/map for paddling the area will be available to the public in September of 2005. The WMA is next to the town of Saxis and Its salt marshes are ideal habitat for black ducks, clapper rails and black rails, but a navigation challenge even for experienced watermen and hunters. First time visitors are encouraged to use an outfitter or guide and avoid paddling during hunting season.

Remember: safe use of rivers and any designated trails, at any time, is your responsibility! Trail maps are for informational and interpretive purposes only and are not meant for navigational purposes, nor do they take into account level of skills or ability required to navigate such trails. The Chesapeake Conservancy, National Park Service, and/or the individual trail associations assume no responsibility or liability for any injury or loss resulting directly or indirectly from the use of trails, maps or other printed or web-based materials.